I am hoping this has been more informative and hopefully more uplifting than in the past. There are a couple of articles that has helped me to figure things out and I hope it does the same for you. In other words, food for thought in how to look at what has happened.

First I want to share an article I read which I found fascinating. He is the first to really explain to me how both conservatives and progressives of today approach things. I've been saying for a long time that we need to learn from the conservative movement and approach what we all feel as important in the way that they approach it. Now I didn't know what the magic formula was, but George Lakoff explained it well in his article: Don't Think of a Rampaging Elephant (👈 link to the Salon article and for some reason it keeps disappearing on me and I'm not sure if it only happens when I edit. If I can't fix it, then just google search it by the title). His stance is that conservatives study marketing but progressives rely on a series of facts that the person is supposed reason it out and come to the correct conclusion. That just doesn't work in politics and I think he is right. It is just a fascinating read and I do think a lot of what happened makes sense. I think he is on the right track.

I also think this article (short one) on How to Culture Jam a Populist in Four Easy Steps is also valuable in learning how to promote the message across a wider range of people and defeat populism. Yea, this one article that I'll be reading again and thinking about. This one really got to me.

Also, know we have been here before:

There is also a brilliant how to when getting yourself psyched up to call your representative. This is primarily focused on those with social anxiety but it works for anyone even a bit nervous about calling or if, like me, you have brain fog a lot.

Just go HERE for the information and also realize that if the issue is something well organized, they often give you the script to use. You could just tweak it a bit (which is what I often do) so it fits me better. The article is probably the best I've seen in terms of what to do and how.

Remember that some of the best things have come out of the worst circumstances. But it won't happen without a fight!

Great post. I hadn't seen anything about the NoDAPL march. I'm glad to see that they continue to make their voices heard. Glad to hear about the scientist one too. Science is so important. I hate to hear that they've been gagged.

This is a great piece in Mother Jones about a teacher who's student wrote a pro-Trump paper. http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/01/donald-trump-2016-election-oklahoma-working-class

I did see that piece but I disagree with it. First, the kid has very limited experience and although we should pay attention to what he says, I think this was the wrong way to bring attention to it. Small town people were better off during Obama than George W economically. However, I can see anger that it wasn't fixed as promised. I do agree with the author's assumption that the social issues did also play a role in the kid's viewpoint even if not stated. I also have a problem with these pieces when they do not also take into account that minorities have felt this way for a much longer time. That should have at least been stated or taken into account for a much broader viewpoint.

I do belive that the viewpoint might be better seen with the article, How to Culture Jam a Populist in Four Easy Steps, in mind. It sheds a different light on how to communicate with those that feel the same.

Don't weep... get angry. If we cannot find a way to shout, then help us shout (can happen since net neutrality may be on the chopping block), keep the information flowing. Keep supporting organizations fighting his regime. Think of me when I am in prison for this post (kidding! ... sort of... LOL). Seriously, keep the information and truth going in any way you can.

Thank you for this. I am so tired of the nastiness on the news lately. I hate what is happening. I am glad we here in Oregon are liberal and we fight. The women's march was huge here even in the rain and nasty weather.

I have good days and bad days. Some days, like today, I just have to turn it off and tune it out to care for myself. But I'm making my calls and #doingmypart as much as I can and still stay healthy. *Hugs*

Great post, Melissa! I keep getting choked up when I see so many people coming together and resisting. And I love Rev. Barber! I was in awe when he spoke at the DNC. No THAT was a speech. We'll definitely need to look to leaders like him. He's been putting up the good fight in NC. I just hope people are really paying attention to what he's doing that isn't getting much media attention.

I so agree. I'm really just starting to listen more to Barber. Love what he has to say. I'm actually a bit more concerned as to what the rest of the leaders of the GOP in the WH (a few are actually working for the people at a local state level!) and his racist advisors are doing and inspiring him to do. :(

Very nice Melissa! Thank you for sharing this- I'm so glad that people of all different backgrounds are coming together to resist. It is inspiring amidst the dismay that comes with watching trump operate. I check out that Salon article as well.